Laurie a keeper

DAINE Laurie is making a name for himself in the Northern Rivers winning major individual trophies in the junior and senior competitions.

The exciting fullback was named best and fairest in the Group One Under-16s competition, with whom he plays for Grafton Ghosts who on Saturday won through to the grand final, and Under-18s Rookie of the Year in the NRRRL as a player for Lower Clarence Magpies.

"He's only 16 and definitely a player for the future," Lower Clarence secretary Aidan Daniels said.

While securing future talent like Laurie will be a high priority for the Magpies moving forward, Daniels warned greater efforts off the field were required to ensure the club's future.

"We definitely need more volunteers," Daniels said.

"I can't see getting the players generally being the problem. But off the field we need more help. We're lacking in areas like trainers and first aid officers."

The club revealed it is finally out of debt for the first time since it won the 2009 NRRRL premiership on the back of its successful 100 Years of Rugby League in the Lower Clarence Reunion Dinner held at Maclean Bowling Club in June.